Log Cake (Bûche de Nőel)

Chocolate yule log with holly decoration

Yield: serves up to 15 guestsChildren will love decorating this festive log cake. It’s sure to become a cherished tradition in your home. 4 whole eggs1 cup sour cream1/2 cup vegetable oil1/2 cup water or coffee1 small package instant chocolate pudding mix1 boxed chocolate cake mix2 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, melted1 recipe Chocolate Frosting (recipe follows)Candies or…

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Seven-Minute Icing

Fluffy white cake with glossy icing

Yield: Frosting for two- or three-layer cake with lots of fluff on top 4 egg whites (1/2 cup)3 cups white sugar1/2 teaspoon cream of tartarpinch of salt2/3 cup water2 teaspoons vanilla Whisk together egg whites, sugar, cream of tartar, salt, and water in the top of a double boiler. (If you don’t have a double boiler,…

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Strawberry Pie

Strawberry Pie

Fresh Strawberry Pie Yield: 1, 9-inch pie to serve 6 2 cups water2 cups sugar1/3 cup cornstarch1, 3-ounce package dry strawberry gelatin2 quarts whole strawberries, stemmed, washed and dried1, baked pie crust (9-inch, deep-dish) Place water, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan and whisk to combine. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil,…

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Glazed Fresh Fruit Pie

Fresh fruit tart with kiwi and berries

Yield: 1, 9-inch pie to serve 6 For this pie, I used blackberries from Bill’s garden, raspberries, golden kiwi, blueberries, grapes, and oranges. 2 cups water2 cups sugar1/3 cup cornstarch1, 3-ounce package dry peach gelatin2 quarts summer fruit, stemmed, washed and dried1, baked pie crust (9-inch, deep-dish) Place water, sugar, and corn starch in a saucepan…

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Chocolate Ganache

Decorative chocolate leaves on cake

It’s easy to make any cake look totally “Hollywood,” when you frost it with Chocolate Ganache. It doesn’t have to be a three-tired Groom’s cake. It can be a single-layer cake you just whipped up. Or even cupcakes. My recipe is simple … just two ingredients; heavy cream and semi-sweet chocolate. My recipe calls for…

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Skillet Barbeque Chicken

Barbecued chicken with sauce and fresh salad.

Yield: 6 servings This might be my easiest recipe for busy moms and dads! Just brown the chicken, cover with bottled BBQ sauce and simmer until done. 6 chicken breasts or thighs or your favorite cuts of chicken – preferably with skin on2 tablespoons olive oil or more as needed2 cups bottled barbeque sauce

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Pulled Beef Sandwiches

Open-faced roast beef sandwiches with fries.

Yield: enough for 24 hamburger buns Bill’s Aunt Lorene gave me this recipe when I was a newlywed. Even people who dislike cabbage love this. Long simmering makes the cabbage disappear into the beef, creating great flavor and texture.4 pounds cooked roast beef, shredded9 cups shredded cabbage2 cups ketchup1, 15-ounce can beef broth3/4 cup Worcestershire sauce2…

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Judie’s Paella With Sausage, Chicken, and Shrimp

Gourmet seafood platter presentation

Yield: 4 big servings with leftovers 1 pound bulk sausage (I use Jimmy Dean regular)1 large onion, finely chopped2 cloves garlic, minced (or to taste)2 cups sliced mushrooms (optional)½ bunch flat-leaf parsley, choppedLarge pinch of saffron1 tablespoon paprika1, 15-ounce can whole tomatoes, hand-crushed3 cups deboned deli chicken meat, chopped or torn into bite-size pieces2 cups short-grain…

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Spaghetti Sauce

Cooking tomato sauce in a pot

Yield: 6 – 8 servings As my granddaughter, Taylor, says, “A recipe is just a guideline.” Especially true of my sauce recipe. The amounts don’t need to be exact. You might not have Italian sausage – Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage is fine. You might need to stretch the amount and add extra tomatoes. You can add…

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Pithivier

Savory pie on checkered plate

Pithivier with Chicken, Ham, Sun-dried Tomatoes and Herbs (Pee-‘tee-vee-a) Yield: One, 9-inch pie with 6 – 8 servings This simple-to-make French pie is beautiful and as delicious as it looks. Use store-bought puff pastry and it’s a snap to put together. This recipe is for a savory chicken pie and you can also make sweet pithiviers.…

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